Devotions by Jud

October 5, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

Frankness is not a license to say anything you want, wherever and whenever you want. It is not rudeness. The Bible tells us to there is a right time and a right way to do everything.

Pride blocks God's grace in our lives, which we must have in order to grow, change, heal, and help others.

You can develop humility in very practical ways: by admitting your weaknesses, by being patient with others' weaknesses, by being open to correction, ang by pointing the spotlight on others.

Point to ponder: Community requires commitment.

Verse to remember: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave His life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." - 1 John 3:16 (GWT)

Question to consider:

How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?

Now that I understood the the characteristics of biblical fellowship (authenticity, mutuality, sympathy, mercy, honesty, humility, courtesy, confidentiality & frequency), I should also put it into practice and "speak the truth in love" to the specific difficult persons in my life. (EGR people - Extra Grace Required)

May 25, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them hurt you.

Point to ponder: I need others in my life.

Verse to remember: "Share each others troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Question to consider:

What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?

May 13, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this Chapter:

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. (The body of Christ needs you)

Encourage one another daily.. so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness (A church family will help keep you from backsliding)

Point to ponder: I am called to belong, not just believe.

Verse to remember: In Christ we who are many form one body. and each member belongs to all the others - Romans 12:5

Question to consider:

Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God's family?

April 19, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this Chapter:

It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us.

Love is not a good part of your life; it's the most important part.

Love leaves a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth, or accomplishments, its the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.

When you transfer into eternity, you will leave everything else behind. All your taking with you is your character.

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.

The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention.

The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.

Point to ponder: Life is all about love.

Verse to remember: The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." - Galatians 5:14

Question to consider:

Honestly, are relationships my first priority?

Yes indeed.

How can I ensure that they are?

April 14, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

Being included in God's family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.

Point to ponder: I was formed for God's family.

Verse to remember: His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 1:5a

Question to consider:

How can I start treating other believers like member of my own family?

March 9, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

Every Christian goes through it at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith.

When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers - so you'll know He exists. But as you grow in faith, He will wean you of these dependencies.

Yes He wants you to sense His presence, but He's more concerned that you trust Him than that you feel Him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.

Circumstances cannot change the character of God.

Point to ponder: God is real no matter how I feel.

Verse to remember: For God has said, I will never leave you, I will never abandon you. - Hebrews 13:5

Question to consider:

How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when He feels distant?

March 6, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

We can worship God imperfectly, but we cannot worship Him insincerely.

The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.

Point to ponder: God wants all of me.

Verse to remember: Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. - Mark 12:30

Question to consider:

Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship?

My private worship.

What will I do about this?

February 23, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with God you must learn to honestly share your feelings with Him, trust Him when He ask you to do something, learn to care about what He cares about. and desire His friendship more than anything else.

Every time you trust God's wisdom and do whatever He says, even when you don't understand it, you deepen your friendship with God.

We obey God, not out of duty or fear or compulsion, but because we love Him and trust He knows what's best for us.

Point to ponder: I'm as close to God as I choose to be.

Verse to remember: Draw close to God and God will draw close to you. - James 4:8

Question to consider:

What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

I can always choose to greet God "good morning" every time I wake up.

I ensure that I would make Him part of my day or thoughts.

February 16, 2022

My favorite phrase in this chapter:

He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

"Praying without ceasing" means conversing with God while shopping, driving, working or performing any other everyday tasks.

Everything you do can be "spending time with God", if He is invited to be a part of it and you stay aware of His presence.

Because God is with you all the time, no place is any closer to God than the place where you are right now.

The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the "secrets" of this life that most people miss.

Prayer lets you speak to God; meditation lets God speak to you.

Point to ponder: God wants to be my bestfriend.

Verse to remember: "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him." - Psalm 25:14a

Question to consider:

What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often through out the day.

February 13, 2022

My favorite phrase/s in this chapter:

Trust is an essential ingredient to surrender. You won't surrender to God unless you trust Him, but you can't trust Him until you know Him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love casts out all fear. The more you realize how much God loves you, the easier surrender becomes.

Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience. Surrendered people obey God's word, even if it doesn't make sense.

You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be "in charge".

Point to ponder: The heart of worship is surrender.

Verse to remember: "Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes." - Romans 6:13b

Question to consider:

What area of my life am I holding back from God?

Actually, I really asked God if I really need to resign even though I haven't still a back up. Even though I don't have a replacement for my job. I aim to get a job as a VA. I already made a baby steps. And I know God is redirecting me for His plans. Ilang beses na ako na reject sa mga agency para maging VA, then God used this content creator "Victoria Nelle" who encourages aspiring VA to be independent and have more a flexible time. Which is really suitable for me since I like day shifts. Agencies require graveyard shifts and I know, God knows it's not for me. Kaya nga nakita ko video ni Ms. Victoria. Totoo nga, si Lord ang magiging backer ko sa VA career ko na ito. And in my spirit naririnig ko na I need to resign na kahit wala pa akong malilipatan. Bago ko basahin itong Chapter 10, nag pray muna ako, kung voice ba talaga ni Lord yun.

Then here comes the word..

The heart of worship is surrender.

Trust is an essential ingredient to surrender.

Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience.

Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love cast out all fear.

You don't have to always be "in charge".

Put Jesus Christ in the driver's seat of your life and take your hands off the steering wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing under His control can ever be out of control.

May lines dyan na talagang nakakatakot, dahil once na mag resign ako, madaming fears na agad pumapasok sa isip ko like:

Mawawalan na ng health card si mommy.

May monthly dues ako sa Sunlife and St. Peter.

Pano ako makakabili ng necessities ko?

Huhu Lord.. I know it sounds crazy, kakahingi ko lang confirmation tapos surrender agad bungad Mo sakin. :(

Alam kong gusto Mo patunayan sakin kung gano Ka ka-powerful and gusto Mo ma develop sakin and obedience and trust.

February 10, 2022

My favorite phrase in this chapter:

You may feel that the only time God is pleased with you is when you're doing "spiritual" activities - like reading the bible, attending church, praying, or sharing your faith. And you may think God is unconcerned about the other parts of your life. Actually God enjoys watching every detail of your life, whether you are working, playing, resting or eating. He doesn't miss a single move you make.

Points to ponder: God smiles when I trust Him.

Verse to remember: The Lord is pleased with those who worship Him and trust His love. - Psalm 147:11

Question to consider:

Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most?

February 9, 2022

My favorite phrase in this chapter:

Every part of the church service is an act of worship: praying, scripture reading, singing, confession, silence, being still listening to a sermon, taking notes, giving an offering, baptism, communion, signing a commitment card and even greeting other worshipers.

Point to ponder: I was planned for God's pleasure.

Verse to remember: The Lord takes pleasure in his people. - Psalm 149:4a

Question to consider:

What common task could I start doing as if I were doing directly for Jesus?

Actually, the Holy Spirit recently revealed this verse to me, which I also find in this chapter: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

January 25, 2022

My favorite phrases:

God's glory is the expression of His goodness and all His other intrinsic eternal qualities.

Point to ponder: It's all for Him.

Verse to remember: For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory. - Romans 11:36

Question to consider:

Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

January 16, 2022

My favorite phrases in this chapter:

Compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached. Ask God to help you see life on earth as He sees it.

God warns us to not get too attached to what's around us because it is temporary.

When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won't leave home - you'll go home.

Point to ponder: This world is not my home.

Verse to remember: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18

Question to consider:

How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

January 5, 2022

Point to ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to remember: Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. - Luke 16:10a

Question to consider:

1. What was happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God?

- It was last December 2021 before Christmas. I already stopped giving gifts to my loved ones. I only gave gifts to my immediate family. But I know in my heart, God wants me to give some gifts to my friends, and maibalik ko yung dati kong ginagawa. I just stopped lang kasi parang napagod ako, wala naman akong natatanggap in return. Hehe. So God tested me, I obeyed. 13th month pa lang meron non, so ayon I bought gifts para sa mga friends ko and extended families. Hehe. Into my surprise, binalita sakin ni I got the highest perecentage sa Christmas bonus (92%). Malaki bonus ko this year 2021 and I am so grateful to the Lord. Hindi ko maangkin ngayon ang lahat na meron ako kasi may revelation na ako na, hiram lang ang lahat. Si Lord mag bibigay, Siya din ang kukuha.. So kung binigyan tayo ni Lord, ingatan natin at gamitin sa maayos.

2. What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

- God made my body so I should take care of it by: eating healthy, exercising regularly and sleeping on time.

God's revelation to me:

Everyday is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.

What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?

December 20, 2021

Point to ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.

Verse to Remember: “This world is fading away along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.” - 1 John 2:17

Question to consider: Since I was made to last forever..

1. What is the one thing I should stop doing?

- I should stop being angry all the time or having a short temper. - I should stop abusing my body and live a healthy life style since this “tent” is the temple of my soul/spirit. - I should stop focusing on problem that is only temporary.

2. The one thing I should start doing today?

- To forgive more, to be more patient, to be more gracious, to be more grateful and appreciative on the small things.

Note: I just really love the revelation that death is not the end but is just the beginning in our eternal life and we will be reunited again with our loved ones and with Jesus our God.

My favorite phrase in this chapter:

December 14, 2021

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

Verse to Remember: “You Lord, give the perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You.” - Isaiah 26:3

Question to Consider: 

1. What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life?

-From the given example in this chapter, I think I fall on the following categories: 

a.) “Many people are driven by materialism”

- I am not saying that I’m materialistic but my goal is to have some security in my finances. However, the Lord taught me in this chapter that real security can only be found in that which can never be taken from you - your relationship with God.

b.) “Many people are driven by fear.”

- It was explained in this chapter that fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends you to be. So gusto talaga ni Lord na mag step out ako sa aking comfort zone and to trust Him in His plans although yung fear na nararamdaman ko nga is connected sa financial security dahil di ko alam sa susunod kong work ay kung magiging stable ba. Pero sa chapter nga na ito sinabi Nya na I should trust Him.

2. What do I want my driving force to be?

- Before I decide on what I want to be my driving force, I should know first what God’s purpose in my life. By knowing Him and studying His word, the more I will know His will in my life. And once I figured out His will, it should also be my desired will, I should obey it and walk through it. Because that is my real purpose. :)